S’MORES TRIFLE (In A JAR!) is my favorite little dessert fix for those nights when you want campfire vibes but you also want to stay inside in comfy clothes. Maybe you have friends coming over, maybe the kids are begging for something sweet, or maybe you just want a treat that feels fun without baking a whole cake. This is the kind of recipe that looks fancy, but it is honestly super simple. It is creamy, chocolatey, and has that toasted marshmallow taste that makes everyone smile. Plus, serving it in jars means no messy slicing and everyone gets their own perfect portion. 
The Story Behind This Recipe
Here’s why I love this S’MORES TRIFLE (In A JAR!): it bakes up beautifully and it tastes like a weekend dinner. S'MORES TRIFLE (In A JAR!) is my favorite little dessert fix for those nights when you want campfire vibes but you also want to stay inside…
How to Make Smores Trifle Jars
Think of these jars as layers of all the best parts of a s’more, just with a spoon instead of a stick. You can keep it totally no bake, or you can toast marshmallows for that real campfire flavor. I usually do a quick toast because it takes seconds and it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
What you will need
- Graham crackers (crushed into crumbs, plus a few bigger chunks if you like texture)
- Chocolate (pudding, ganache, or even chocolate syrup in a pinch)
- Marshmallow (marshmallow creme, whipped topping mixed with marshmallow, or toasted marshmallows)
- Whipped cream (homemade or store bought)
- Small jars or clear cups (8 oz is a sweet spot)
My simple layer plan
I keep the order pretty consistent so each bite has crunch, chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow.
- Start with a spoonful of graham cracker crumbs in the bottom.
- Add a layer of chocolate pudding or chocolate sauce.
- Add a layer of whipped cream or marshmallow cream.
- Repeat the layers until the jar is almost full.
- Top with toasted marshmallows and a sprinkle of crumbs.
If you want the toasted top, use a kitchen torch for a few seconds. No torch? Put the marshmallows on a small baking sheet and broil them for a minute or two, then carefully add them on top. Watch closely because marshmallows go from golden to charcoal fast.
Also, if you love cute trifle ideas in cups, you might want to peek at these apple pie cheesecake trifles sometime. Same easy vibe, totally different flavor.
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Easy Smores Trifle
The reason I make this version so often is because it is forgiving. You do not need perfect layers. You do not need special tools. And you can make it with whatever is already in your fridge.
When I say “easy,” I mean you can throw these together while you are chatting with someone in the kitchen, or while dinner is finishing up. The only thing I recommend is giving yourself a few minutes to crush the graham crackers and get your chocolate layer ready.
Here are a couple of super easy chocolate options:
- Chocolate pudding: store bought works, homemade works, nobody complains.
- Chocolate ganache: melt chocolate chips with warm cream, stir, done.
- Chocolate syrup: fastest option, best if you have other creamy layers to balance it.
For the marshmallow layer, you can do marshmallow fluff straight from the jar, but I like mixing it with whipped cream so it is lighter and easier to spoon. It also gives that “trifle” feel instead of sticky candy vibes.
If you are in a trifle mood in general, this peaches and cream trifle is another easy crowd pleaser. I make it when I want something a little fresher and fruity.
And yes, S’MORES TRIFLE (In A JAR!) is totally acceptable as a random Tuesday dessert. I have made it “just because” more times than I can count.
“I made these for movie night and my family acted like I ordered fancy dessert from a restaurant. The toasted marshmallow on top is the whole thing. Making them in jars was genius.”
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
This is where you can have fun. Once you have the basic idea, you can build your own “house version” and everyone can customize their jar.
Here are my favorite add ins that actually make sense in the layers:
- Peanut butter drizzle: especially good with dark chocolate.
- Mini chocolate chips: adds crunch without making it too sweet.
- Crushed pretzels: salty and crunchy, and it keeps the sweetness in check.
- Banana slices: sounds odd, tastes like a fun sundae moment.
- Espresso powder: just a pinch in the chocolate layer makes it taste richer.
Want to make it feel extra “campfire”? Add a few larger graham cracker chunks instead of only crumbs. That way you get a bite that feels like a real s’more instead of a soft pudding cup.
If you are making these for adults, a tiny splash of coffee liqueur in the chocolate layer is really good. Not too much. Just enough to make people say, “Wait, what is that?”
And if you end up doing a lot of broiling or torching, you will probably appreciate this practical guide on cast iron care rules grandma wouldnt break since I always seem to get dessert ideas right after I have cleaned the kitchen.
Tips
Little details make these jars easier and prettier, so here are the things I have learned after making S’MORES TRIFLE (In A JAR!) a bunch of times.
Use clear jars if you can. The layers are half the fun. Even basic mason jars look cute with this dessert.
Do not build too early if you want crunch. Graham crackers soften in the fridge. If you love a softer texture, build them ahead and chill. If you want crunch, assemble closer to serving and keep crumbs separate until the last minute.
Let the pudding cool. If you are using warm homemade pudding, let it cool down first so it does not melt the whipped cream layer.
Toast marshmallows right before serving. Toasted marshmallows can get sticky and collapse if they sit too long. If you are taking these to a party, toast on arrival if possible.
Make a quick jar assembly station. Line up jars, crumbs, chocolate, and whipped topping. It goes fast and you will not drip chocolate all over the counter like I always do.
Also, this is random, but if you are like me and you end up with chocolate fingerprints everywhere after dessert, these epic house cleaning hacks you will wish you knew sooner are oddly satisfying. Dessert is fun. Cleanup is not.
Reasons to Love ’em
I keep coming back to this recipe because it hits that sweet spot between fun and low effort. And the jars make it feel special even when it took you like ten minutes.
- No slicing, no serving mess. Everyone grabs a jar and digs in.
- Easy to scale. Make two jars for a quiet night, or twelve for a party.
- Kid friendly. You can let kids layer their own and they get so proud of it.
- Perfect make ahead option. You can prep most pieces early and assemble later.
- That toasted marshmallow top. It gets people every time.
And honestly, S’MORES TRIFLE (In A JAR!) is one of those desserts that makes you feel like you did something creative, even if you basically just layered store bought goodies in a jar. No shame in that. That is smart cooking.
Common Questions
Can I make these the night before?
Yes, but expect the graham crackers to soften. If you want crunch, keep the crumbs in a separate container and add them right before serving.
What is the best chocolate layer for this?
Chocolate pudding is the easiest and most consistent. Ganache tastes richer. If you use syrup, pair it with a thick whipped layer so it does not get runny.
Do I need a kitchen torch?
Nope. A broiler works fine. Just watch closely and pull the tray as soon as the marshmallows turn golden.
How do I keep the layers neat?
Spoon the layers in slowly and wipe the inside of the jar with a paper towel if you smear it. You can also pipe whipped cream using a zip top bag with the corner snipped.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes. Use gluten free graham style crackers or gluten free cookie crumbs. Everything else is usually naturally gluten free, but check labels on pudding and toppings.
One last sweet push to try it
If you want a dessert that feels like a treat but does not take over your whole night, make a batch of S’MORES TRIFLE (In A JAR!) and stash them in the fridge. You will love how easy it is to customize and how cute it looks on the table. If you want to compare versions, I also like reading S’mores Dessert Trifle in a Jar – Mom Endeavors and S’mores Trifle (S’mores in a Jar) – Princess Pinky Girl for extra inspiration. Now go grab a spoon, toast that marshmallow top, and enjoy every creamy, chocolatey bite.
S’MORES TRIFLE
Ingredients
Method
- Start with a spoonful of graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of each jar.
- Add a layer of chocolate pudding or chocolate sauce.
- Add a layer of whipped cream or marshmallow fluff.
- Repeat the layers until the jar is almost full.
- Top with toasted marshmallows and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
